MPs examine Brexit priorities for energy, climate policies

An inquiry into the UK’s Brexit negotiation priorities for energy and climate change policies has been launched.

The Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee is inviting views as it picks up on the work initiated by the former Energy and Climate Change Committee, which explored the implications of the UK leaving the EU.

The new inquiry will examine the implications of Brexit on the energy industry and national climate change commitments and determine which policy areas should be prioritised for continued co-operation during the negotiation process.

The UK energy sector has extensive links with the EU through trade, directives and interconnection.

While Member States retain sovereignty over their energy mix, substantial parts of UK energy policy have been driven by EU-wide directives and proposals.

Chair of the BEIS Committee, Iain Wright MP, said: “As a Committee, we want to examine the implications of the UK’s departure from the EU on the energy sector and on our ambitions to combat climate change.

“We are keen to hear from stakeholders about what they want from the UK’s exit negotiations and we will want to consider how best to maintain investor confidence and security of supply as we leave the EU. We also want to explore how, post-Brexit, the UK can build on its international standing in climate leadership and as a centre for low carbon innovation.”